Extinction Rebellion protesters to disrupt major cycling race

Extinction Rebellion protesters have named their next target, and the group’s announcement is likely to anger fans of a major sport.

Protesters from the controversial climate action group Extinction Rebellion have planned a series of disruptions at next week’s Tour Down Under, a move that could frustrate professional cyclists and fans of the sport.

The group is targeting the event due to its naming rights sponsor, Australian gas giant Santos. It previously protested against Santos as a sponsor of the Australian Open tennis tournament in 2021.

Extinction Rebellion viewed its earlier campaign against Santos as a success after Tennis Australia abruptly ended its “multiyear” agreement with the fossil fuels company after less than a year.

Radical climate activist group Extinction Rebellion has vowed to cause problems for the main sponsor of the Tour Down Under cycling race, Santos. Picture: Facebook

The group has previously targeted Santos outside their building in Adelaide in a protest featuring effigies of then energy minister Angus Taylor and prime minister Scott Morrison. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

The organisation’s South Australian branch posted the details for 11 planned disruptions of the cycling race to its Facebook page, urging supporters to join them in not allowing “a fossil fuel company to buy social licence for climate destruction”.

The Tour Down Under was a “well-loved event”, the protest organisers said.

“Unless otherwise, stated actions will run for roughly two hours and close out once the proceedings have been seen through,” a group statement read.

“Most action will take place at or nearby the starting location. We will be maintaining a visual presence throughout our public actions so keep an eye out for banners and flags around the TDU event for that action.

Extinction Rebellion South Australia has warned its members to expect hostility from members of the public at planned Tour Down Under protests. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

“Be aware that some members of the public may be agitated or hostile at our presence. You do not need to engage or respond.”

The first instalment of the protests appears to be scheduled for the Tour Down Under’s team presentation on Friday night, but several of the plans involve actions during men’s and women’s stage races.

The British chapter of the group says it will no longer plan public activities that will affect bystanders, but the Australian branch has made no such promises. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe

The South Australian branch’s plans come only days after Extinction Rebellion’s British chapter announced it would refrain from events that disrupted the general public.

In a statement released on New Year’s Eve, the group said it wanted to attract broader support for its mission.

“XR is committed to including everyone in this work and leaving no one behind because everyone has a role to play,” the statement read.

“This year, we prioritise attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks as we stand together and become impossible to ignore.”